Motormabikey Madness

[miaowkytten]

Who knows anything about motorbikes and engines?

Who can/will help me in perusing/investigating/evaluating second hand bikes that are up for private sale?

Who's going to be my rawkgawdlurv who helps me attain my lil bikey dreamy goodness!?

Comments

[gevauden]

I know a bit, but I live on the other side of the country, so I doubt I'll be much help...

[miaowkytten]

any tips and pointers on things to look out for would be appreciated.

eg are there quick ways to check its condition?

[gevauden]

A few pointers

[gevauden]

Oh! And if you're looking at a CB250, be double sure to check this stuff out. They're pretty popular learner bikes and can often go through numerous owners who upgrade once they're on their full licence. This can sometimes mean they've been thrashed by people who have had no intention of keeping them long-term.

[gevauden]

One more thing: NEVER let the seller know just how keen you are. You wanna get the best price you can and if they think you'll sell your mother to get the bike then they'll charge you accordingly ;)

[miaowkytten]

Me? Supress my exuberance and excitement over a bike? Er.. tall order. *puts on poker face*

[gevauden]

Yeah, I know it can be tough, but if you do things like point ourt what's not perfect about the bike that can help give the impression that you may go elsewhere, thus driving the price down :)

[miaowkytten]

There's a difficulty in this particular one in terms of bargaining power. I have to go to Manjimup to see it. I think making the trip out there would, in itself, suggest I'm pretty keen.
Hence, me trying to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible before I decide to take up the mission.

[gevauden]

Ergh! That sure is a trek.
In that case, if I were you, I'd check out a few bikes locally first.
There are 2 reasons for this.
One: You don't want to make a trip all the way out there for nothing. You may find something good locally before you go.
Two: you REALLY don't want to go out there, fall in love, buy the bike and THEN get it home only to discover there's something seriously screwed up.

[miaowkytten]

So very true.

But it's considerably more affordable than anything I've found locally in my recent scouting. Which makes it either a bargain or a little impending trap of explodey doom.

[miaowkytten]

Marvellously helpful! Thank you!

I've found one particular second hand Honda CB250 that I'm investigating. It's affordable (YAY!) but I know nothing of engines and it will be my baby-first-bike.